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Office of Stewardship
launches new Web site
By Ambria Hammel, The Catholic Sun
December 20, 2007
With the kick off of its annual appeal only a month away, the Office of Stewardship launched a new Web site Dec. 5 that broadens its appeal by introducing online giving and by providing education and information for Catholics throughout the Phoenix Diocese.
“It really is responding to the requests and needs of those who give,” said Fr. Bud Pelletier, vicar of stewardship for the diocese.
Fr. Pelletier, well known for being a technology guru, said Catholics who support the annual Charity and Development Appeal are interested in making contributions over the Internet. The Office of Stewardship oversees the annual appeal and worked with the diocesan Office of Finance to develop the new Web site — www.phoenixstewardship.org — over the last year.
The CDA portion of the Web site offers a private and secure place for those surfing the Internet to make a commitment to the appeal, whether it’s financially or through prayer. All personal information collected is kept confidential. Online donors will no longer have to fill out a donor card at their parish, but the parish still will receive credit for the gift.
Additionally, those who make a commitment to the 2008 appeal can donate online by Dec. 31 and receive tax credit for this year.
The Web site also features a video message in English and Spanish about the CDA’s role in supporting the community through Church-run organizations and ministries. The CDA supports more than 70 charitable, educational and spiritual organizations that counsel, feed, clothe, house, educate and comfort those in need.
Visitors to the Web site can expect to see photos and information from the CDA’s nearly 40-year history and updates on pledge totals, in addition to education and resource materials, a frequently asked questions section, and important dates. The 2008 appeal officially begins next month.
The Web site is meant to complement the annual appeal and outreach done at the parish level.
“The innovation and the heart of the CDA has always been our pastors, our chairpersons and our parish leaders,” Fr. Pelletier said.
They create ways to make the results of the CDA come to life for parishioners and move them to donate, he said.
“What we are doing is opening our hearts,” Fr. Pelletier said. “That is truly where the work of God happens."
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